Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your morning routine, possibly even more important than making your bed or combing your hair. It’s essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. However, a common question many people have is when the best time to brush is. Should you brush before or after breakfast? Pure Smiles is here to provide clarity on this matter for the sake of your oral health.
The Ideal Time to Brush Your Teeth
Many people think it’s pointless to brush their teeth first thing in the morning, only to follow it with breakfast and coffee. After all, you’ve just cleaned your teeth, and now you’re exposing them to food and hot drinks. Plus, the lingering taste of toothpaste can make your morning fruit less appealing.
However, the best time to brush your teeth is actually before you eat breakfast. This approach offers better protection for your enamel compared to brushing after your meal.
During sleep, various bacteria accumulate in your mouth and multiply. You should aim to remove this bacteria as soon as possible in the morning to prevent plaque build-up on your teeth and gums. Excessive plaque can lead to oral diseases and discomfort.
Using fluoride toothpaste before breakfast not only removes this bacteria but also provides an added layer of protection against the acidity in your food. This practice gives you the best chance of maintaining robust dental health.
Is Brushing After Breakfast Harmful?
Brushing after breakfast isn’t necessarily harmful, but it’s not as beneficial as brushing beforehand. Here are a few things to keep in mind whether you choose to brush before or after eating.
Eating breakfast immediately after waking introduces acidity and possibly new bacteria to your teeth and gums, in addition to the bacteria that accumulated overnight. Therefore, brushing after breakfast makes it harder to remove this increased amount of bacteria than it would have been if you had brushed first.
If you prefer to eat before brushing, it’s advisable to wait about half an hour before brushing. This waiting period allows time for the bacteria to be naturally washed away. This is especially important if you consume fruit juices or citrus fruits. Drinking a glass of water after eating can also help rinse away bacteria from your teeth and gums.
The Final Word
If you’re wondering, “Should I brush my teeth before breakfast?” The answer is yes, ideally. However, life isn’t always perfect, so don’t worry too much if you can’t manage it occasionally.
For more tips on oral health and to book an appointment with our experts, visit the Pure Smiles website today.